Simon Jordan Shocks Fans with Dramatic U-Turn on Ryan Reynolds’ and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham Ownership

In a surprising shift, Simon Jordan, former Crystal Palace owner and a long-time skeptic of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham FC ownership, has revealed a newfound appreciation for the Hollywood duo’s impact on the club. Once critical of their intentions and commitment, Jordan now acknowledges the success that Wrexham has achieved under their stewardship, as well as the unprecedented global exposure they’ve brought to the North Wales club.

Hollywood Meets Football: Wrexham’s Meteoric Rise

Since Reynolds and McElhenney took over, Wrexham FC has experienced a complete transformation. What was once a non-league football club struggling for attention has become a global phenomenon, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Wrexham’s story, boosted by the popularity of Reynolds and McElhenney’s documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham”, showcases the team’s incredible back-to-back promotions and ascent under coach Phil Parkinson. Their success has reshaped the landscape for football clubs operating outside the Premier League, proving that fame and passion can create a winning combination.

In recent years, however, talkSPORT host Simon Jordan had been notably reluctant to give credit to the actors-turned-owners. During an on-air discussion in March, the 57-year-old made several disparaging comments, doubting the Hollywood stars’ commitment to Wrexham. He openly questioned Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s long-term plans, saying, “When he [Reynolds] shuffles off back to polishing his Hollywood star and is no longer interested, we’ll see how long that interest stays with Wrexham.” Jordan even jested about McElhenney’s lesser-known celebrity status, remarking that he “carries [Reynolds’] bag,” a jab that triggered reactions from co-presenter Jim White and the loyal Wrexham fanbase, who criticized Jordan’s perceived jealousy and skepticism.

A Change of Heart: From Skepticism to Support

Yet today, Simon Jordan appears to have revised his perspective. While he still playfully avoids referring to McElhenney by name, Jordan has admitted that the pair’s impact on Wrexham has been more significant than he originally anticipated. On talkSPORT, he discussed how Wrexham’s “Disneyfication of sport,” as he describes it, has not only brought them visibility but has also achieved “commercial metrics” that exceeded his expectations.

“Wrexham were a non-league football club that has been turned into something unique, as a result of Ryan Reynolds and his mate turning it into a Disneyfication of sport. My attitude towards it at the time was, okay, let’s watch it and see how it goes,” Jordan stated on air. His initial skepticism stemmed from doubts about whether the actors would be invested enough to tackle the long and challenging road toward the English Championship and beyond. However, he now seems impressed by the creative ways the duo has managed to monetise Wrexham, noting the recent inclusion of “a Welsh Deadpool walking around in one of the scenes” as a clever move to connect the club’s brand with mainstream pop culture.

Ambitions for Premier League Glory

For Reynolds and McElhenney, reaching the Premier League with Wrexham is not just a pipe dream; it’s an ambitious goal they openly pursue. Despite mockery from some critics, including former Watford striker Troy Deeney—who recently stated in a CBS Sports TikTok video that he would donate £1,000 to charity if Wrexham achieves promotion to the Premier League within five years—the pair remains undeterred. Deeney expressed his doubt, saying, “If they make it within five years, I’ll give £1,000 to any charity that [CBS] choose,” but Reynolds and McElhenney’s persistence and support for Wrexham suggest they’re fully committed to reaching the top.

Simon Jordan, now a cautious supporter, believes Wrexham’s ambitions may be within reach, especially as they build momentum and draw attention through their unique blend of sports and entertainment. He predicts a third consecutive promotion for Wrexham, bringing them into the English Championship, a highly competitive division featuring clubs with established reputations and billionaire backers. Jordan voiced his optimism, saying, “I think they’ll get promoted again this season, which means they’re in the Championship.”

A Powerful Commercial Engine

Jordan also acknowledged the tremendous commercial power Wrexham now possesses, largely due to Reynolds and McElhenney’s influence. By leveraging their social media presence and international connections, the Hollywood co-owners have attracted sponsorships and fan engagement from far beyond North Wales. Jordan noted, “They’ve got the commercial interest in America, they’ve got the commercial sponsorships via social media presence, to be able to achieve quite a lot.” This global attention has not only revitalized Wrexham but has also set a potential model for other clubs looking to enhance their visibility.

With Reynolds and McElhenney at the helm, Wrexham has gained unprecedented access to fans worldwide, and their approach could redefine football’s business landscape. Major companies and sponsors are now eyeing partnerships with the club, drawn by the combination of Hollywood’s star power and the passion surrounding Wrexham. Fans who had long supported the club before the Hollywood investment are now joined by thousands of new followers who connect to the story through the personalities of Reynolds and McElhenney.

“The Disneyfication of Sport”

While Jordan previously used the term “Disneyfication” dismissively, he now seems to view it as a unique aspect that benefits Wrexham. With the introduction of their documentary series and Reynolds’ lighthearted social media posts, the duo has added a layer of accessibility and relatability to the sport. By making the club’s journey engaging and fun, they’ve bridged the gap between Hollywood storytelling and the traditions of British football.

In an age where sports clubs increasingly look to expand their brands and appeal to international audiences, Wrexham’s journey offers a glimpse into the potential for blending entertainment and athletics. The actors’ approach has given the club not just fame but also financial stability and a path toward competitive success, inspiring other small clubs to consider creative means of attracting supporters and generating revenue.

From Skeptic to Supporter: Jordan’s Take on Wrexham’s Future

Though initially hesitant, Simon Jordan’s change of heart marks a significant endorsement of Reynolds and McElhenney’s approach. He now acknowledges that their combination of Hollywood branding and genuine commitment to the club’s success could be the key to Wrexham’s continued rise. Jordan concluded, “The Championship is a serious division, because there’s billionaires in that division, and there’s clubs of heritage and legacy. But I wouldn’t put it past Wrexham to have the momentum.”

For Wrexham fans, Jordan’s U-turn serves as an affirmation of the Hollywood duo’s efforts. Reynolds and McElhenney have not only revitalized the club but have also gained the respect of former skeptics like Jordan, proving that their dedication goes far beyond publicity stunts. With their eyes on the Premier League and a growing fanbase rallying behind them, Wrexham’s journey promises to be a remarkable chapter in football history, with Reynolds and McElhenney leading the charge.